Nov.16 (GMM) Fernando Alonso says he is "really proud" to have been voted the best formula one driver of 2008 by readers of a British newspaper.

Despite the fact that the Briton Lewis Hamilton broke Alonso's record as the youngest ever world champion this year, and following the pair's poisonous relationship in 2007, it was the Spaniard who took the chequered flag on The Times' ranking.

The 27-year-old Renault driver's minor victory made international headlines, and he was asked about the accolade by the Spanish press.

"To be recognised for your work in your own country is one thing," he is quoted as saying by El Mundo, "but from somewhere else it makes me really proud."

Alonso also clarified reports that he may vacation until the beginning of 2009, revealing he plans to test at Jerez in December.